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    Awa's African Braids Express

    4.4 (46 reviews)
    ModerateHair Salons
    Closed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

    By appointment only

    Services - Awa's African Braids Express

    Haircut

    Awa's African Braids Express Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Awa's African Braids Express

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    Kelly P.

    Did a beautiful job on my hair. I asked for a certain size (because I wanted to stay within my price range) but she felt it would be too heavy for my hair so she went with a smaller one. I completely trusted her to make that call and it was definitely the right decision. She added silver/gray to my braids and they look AMAZING!! Added bonus, at 6 weeks she do a touch up!

    Andrea M.

    I've had my hair done her 2x now and she has braided my sons hair for like 5 years. They always do their best to get you in and accommodate you. The hair always looks amazing the staff is very friendly and helpful I enjoy coming to get my hair done I would recommend this salon for all your hair care needs and supplies

    Final box braids
    Vaishali J.

    Love what she did to my hair. Box braids with extension, laces and beads. Plus point is that hair accessory store is just 2 blocks away from this place so you can come an hour early and get some accessories/extensions yourself for your braid! Also, the address on Yelp is incorrect. Her real address is 2000 23rd av south Seattle Wa 98144

    Michelle O.

    I have now gone twice to see miss Awa and she does an amazing job both times. I recommend her for your next appointment.

    Ombré Rows
    Brianna H.

    The only place I'll go to have my hair braided. Awa is kind, quick, and professional - worth every dollar! I have been going here for years and always leave feeling like a queen. Braids have lasted up to 3 months with my hair type.

    Singles done by Awa
    Kathleen B.

    I am so glad I found Awa! She was absolutely wonderful and so beautiful inside and out. I drove 3 hours for her services and will continue to do so anytime I need braiding done! I paid a bit more than I was expecting to but the results were worth every penny. I've had braids previously from someone else and had a painful experience and sat for many hours but with Awa, she was FAST and I had no pain on my scalp and was able to style my hair easily the next day! Awa, you are a treasure and I look forward to seeing you again soon!!

    Daniel A.

    Me and my family just moved to Seattle 6months ago from Houston and was looking for hair stylist for the women of the house. We was calling all around and found Awa's African braiding shop Ooooooo my she was awesome professional and super nice. My wife and daughter love her to death. She'll always call back if she's busy rite away and if her schedule is booked she would refer you to someone who's not. But she does such a wonderful job they refuse to go anywhere else. I highly recommend her service as a professional and a super nice individual. The prices are good and she'll help you come up with a new style.

    Box braid by Awa

    I have been seen Awa for hair care since 2015, and she continues to deliver the best hair braiding experience one can ask for. This time I got medium/small box braids. It has been 2 weeks since install and I have not lost one braid. Previously (at other shops) my braids would be too tight and Id get the bumps around the braids, so I have hssitant to go bavk to braiding. But Awa did a great job, worked very quickly, and treated my problem edges tenderly! Once again, Awa, I am a very very satisfied customer!

    Disregard the baby bottle. LOVE my braids!
    Soraya W.

    Today for the first time I got my hair braided by Awa. She not only was able to fit me in this weekend for singles but was extremely fast. I have very thick hair and a ton of it. She had me out the door in under 5hrs (other braider have taken 12hrs on average for a shorter style). She can supply the hair if you don't want or know how to pick out your own. She is cash only so i suggest stopping prior to coming in. Love my hair and will be going back as well as referring my entire family.

    Laura S.

    Okay. Two VITAL pieces of information about this braid shop. Firstly, their address is 2000 23rd Avenue South Seattle 98144.Secondly, Sara braided my hair (Senegalese twists) and she was neat, tender (didn't leave my scalp burning), meticulous, FAST and most notably VERY pleasant to be around! I'm so happy with my experience here - I would not look elsewhere for braiding in the Seattle area!

    Katsydde A.

    Went for an appointment yesterday, first off so I went to ours and when I arrived at 12:15 she said hey go ahead have a seat I'll be with you in a moment I have to finish with this client I said fine I said down I waited almost 45 minutes so around 115 she said hey you know you can handle I set out next thing you know she started to braid my hair which I thought she was initially using my hair next thing you know she puts for braids over my shoulder and she's like this is my hair you should use my hair because when you dip your hair it looks like plastic seat this is your hair she used one braid for my hair and mind you I bought a pack of 85 inch hair which was supposed to be for Rapunzel braids next thing you know she's like yeah I cut it in half because you didn't tell me how long you wanted them I said well clearly on the package it's 85 inches she said that she refused to grade them that long unless I paid her $250 which initially the first price was 180 so I agreed mind you it was payday so I had the money I told her I would pay next thing you know she senses me being upset about the situation and she totally refuse service to me I did not curse her I did not see anything verbally to her to make her think that I would not what my hair done I went home and I cried because of her I literally had planned for a whole week to have my hair braided and she ruined it I'm going to post some pictures along to show that I actually showed her the actual size of the hair the length of the hair and she was well aware of what size braids that I wanted so please do not patronize this woman unless you just want to look like the crowd because that's what she selling the same hair same style to different women and she is profiting off of that and the sad part is she's African and I'm African-American so please it's just sad

    Invisible Crochet braids by Awa

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    7 years ago

    Amazing craftsmanship with wonderful service. Awa is a lovely individual who knows what the customer wants based on what says.

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Great job and awesome service.. My locs came out perfect!I will definitely go back again.

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    5 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Awa did a beautiful job on my baby girls hair!! It lasted through summer camp! Definitely going back to get lil'mama summer ready!

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    12 years ago

    Been going to Awa on and off since 2011 and she does phenomenal work each and every time.

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    9 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

    I love love this place. Super neat braids and such a nice lady. My husband loved them, can't wait to get them done again.

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    13 years ago

    Absolutely loved my hair. She has skills, very professional, and more. Highly recommended!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Awa's African Braids Express

    Review Highlights - Awa's African Braids Express

    It would have been an hour or so earlier had I come prepared as in hair prepped for braiding.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Salon Voda - Salon Voda

    Salon Voda

    4.1(46 reviews)
    1.8 miSouth Lake Union
    $$

    I have been coming to Silvia for over 10 years! I come all the way up from LA and she is the ONLY…read moreone that I let touch my hair. She has the best technique, if you want, she will help you push your boundaries or if you want to play it safe, she will give you a comfortable and stylish cut. But the main reason I have stayed with her for so long is because she is good for the soul. I come out of Salon Voda with a new hair cut and a new positive outlook on life. I know, it sounds cheesy, but Silvia has one of the most positive and realest outlooks on life. I can't tell if I enjoy our conversations more or my new hair! My mother, my sister and half of Magnolia goes to Silvia. Call Salon Voda and ask for her. She is amazing.

    Made an appointment for a hair donation I double checked with registration if they're really ok…read morewith someone coming in at 11am on Christmas Eve. They told me there was an appointment at 10am already scheduled. I come here at 10:45am, it's closed. And now it is 11am. No one there. Kind of not cool. Was looking forward to donating my hair. I didn't receive an email or phone cancelation either. I confirmed my appointment in the email as well. My advice, if you can't show up, call me or email me. Also, it's especially not cool when it's a hair donation for a kid. I understand life happens, but I drove 1 hr for this. The least you can do is inform me of a cancelation. Also, just to add, I was also getting charged for the cut too. So the stylist was suppose to get paid/tipped.

    Photos
    Salon Voda - Blonde Balayage done by Brooke

    Blonde Balayage done by Brooke

    Salon Voda - Beautiful Copper balayage

    Beautiful Copper balayage

    Salon Voda - Mixed Brunette Balayage done by Brooke

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    Mixed Brunette Balayage done by Brooke

    Red Chair Salon - Hair by Haley. November 2025.

    Red Chair Salon

    4.5(298 reviews)
    0.8 miCapitol Hill
    $

    I booked a double process touch-up with a senior stylist. After I booked, I was reassigned to a…read morestylist with no experience (Haley). I had not known that otherwise I would have rejected the appointment. My hair lifts easily, and Haley noted that. Despite that, she used too strong a developer and damaged my hair beyond belief. Not only that. She missed half of my head with toner. She noticed. And didn't tell me. She let me leave the salon with half of my head not toned. It's very noticeable from the back. I didn't see it at the appointment because she didn't show me the back - and now I know why. That's the worst of it, but she also didn't rinse my hair properly, so I still had product dried up and crusty in my hair. And she barely used any product while she blew out my hair on the highest heat, burning my scalp a couple of times and damaging my hair even more. And it was still a bit wet by the time I left. I'm usually pretty relaxed, so I didn't complain until after I went home and noticed that my head wasn't properly toned (which is also not that hard to do, I've done it myself during covid lockdowns - so it really is incredible that she messed up this bad and didn't say anything, hoping I wouldn't notice). Nothing about my experience with Haley was positive. Her work was incredibly sloppy, negligent, and dishonest. Edited to add (in response to Howie, the owner): You know the issue isn't with the toner itself - I did not see that she didn't do the back otherwise I obviously wouldn't have been "pleased". Again, you know this. I have a photo attached. You see how bad it is. I don't know why you're trying to act like that quality of service is okay. I didn't realize Red Chair's standards were so low, and I regret that I gave you all a shot :/ Also, I have to spend the holidays looking like this. So thanks for that.

    The people who work here are angels. I had a hair emergency that kept getting worse because every…read moresalon I contacted couldn't book an ASAP appointment and didn't seem to care. My hair had gotten so tangled that it was matted, I had really long hair that was difficult to manage. I was devastated by the thought of losing all my hair- I felt that mu femininity was wrapped up in having long hair. The empathy of the receptionist and stylist blew me away. They got me in for a consult the next day, showed genuine care and concern that made the awful situation seem less dire. I was reassured that I would not need a Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta haircut. I ended up really, really liking the cute cut they gave me- it made me not mind having short hair! The ladies at Red Chair rescued me from Hair Hell, and I am so grateful to them! Will be coming back for other services!

    Photos
    Red Chair Salon
    Red Chair Salon - Photo on the left is what was requested. Photo on the right is what was received.

    Photo on the left is what was requested. Photo on the right is what was received.

    Red Chair Salon - Exterior at night

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    Exterior at night

    Kitty Hawk - I couldn't find a before pic that actually showed my hair before, but believe me, this is SO much better! Thank you again, Val!!!!

    Kitty Hawk

    4.9(74 reviews)
    1.2 miCapitol Hill
    $$

    I saw several enthusiastic reviews mentioning April as not only a great stylist, but also one who…read moreenjoys talking with her customers, so I booked with her. The reviews were spot on correct. I just got the best cut I've had in years and I also enjoyed talking with April. She an excellent conversationalist as she goes about her work. She is sincerely interested in what you say. Be sure to ask her about herself too, you will find that she's an interesting and multi-talented lady. I wish I could give her more stars than just five.

    You gotta go to Kitty Hawk and see Amy Bates. Here is why I love having her do my hair: She is…read morereally in touch with trends, but is super creative and loves to work in a unique twist, that is inspired by my personal style. :) Color - Last time I was in, we worked with the ombre trend, but she added a few blonde and red pieces that went all the way to my root, with some fire-y red ombre style chunks all over and little peeks of black. Also, the color is a-symmetrical, one side has more blonde, and the other, more red. Turned out so cool! The cut - usually, I think my hair looks better worn up, but since Amy has been cutting it, I love wearing it down. Finally, she is so friendly and a joy to chat with. Amy has been doing my hair for awhile, but she just started at Kitty Hawk. What a cool space, easy to find, easy free parking and the shop is really cute and clean! Get your buns in Amy's chair! :)

    Photos
    Kitty Hawk - Yep it's amazing by April

    Yep it's amazing by April

    Kitty Hawk
    Kitty Hawk - My daughter Violet and her awesome new violet hair. Thank you, Val!

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    My daughter Violet and her awesome new violet hair. Thank you, Val!

    Awa's African Braids Express - hair - Updated June 2026

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